What a Catch: Cuffed escapee pulled from Yazoo Canal

Bowlin saved from drowning

A man escaped from custody and later had to be rescued from the Yazoo Canal after he tried unsuccessfully to swim to freedom, authorities said.

Jeremy Blake Bowlin, 21, was on probation related to a car burglary conviction in Warren County, MDOC officials said. When MDOC looked for Bowlin where he was supposed to be living, he was not there, authorities said. A warrant was issued for Bowlin's arrest and he was later found and arrested in Warren County, MDOC said.

When an MDOC probation officer pulled up Tuesday to the Warren County Jail with Bowlin, he broke away and ran, authorities said. Bowlin was spotted several hours later near the Vicksburg waterfront, where -- while still in handcuffs -- he jumped off the pier into the water and was apparently trying to swim to Louisiana, authorities said.

An Ergon Marine crew heard screaming and threw a rescue line to Bowlin, company officials said. When the crew saw the handcuffs, they told Bowlin they were going to call the sheriff. Bowlin then tried to chew through the line, but a few minutes later he yelled for help as he struggled in the water, Ergon officials said.

Bowlin was then hoisted out of the Yazoo Canal onto a harbor boat, authorities said. He was being held Wednesday at the Warren County Jail for MDOC and may face additional charges, prison officials said.

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